MKC - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

It was day one of classes at Magic Kingdom College. It was a perfect day. The temperature was in the mid 70's with humidity at 50 percent. Not a cloud in the sky. Quasimodo couldn't help but smile at the sight.
Quasi was in his dorm room, looking out one of the windows in his room. Phoebus had left early to see if he could switch classes before it was too late.
"What a beautiful day," he sighed. "I can't think of a better way to start classes."
There was a sudden knock on the door. Quasi went over to the door and opened it.
"Good morning, Quasimodo," said the man at the door.
"Good morning, master Frollo," Quasi said, trying to keep his smile.
"Do you mind if I come in?" he asked.
"No, not at all," Quasi said, welcoming his master into his room. "Please come in."
"Thank you," Frollo said.
Frollo walked in and sat at the table in the room. Quasi sat with him.
"So…what do I owe the pleasure of your presence, master?"
"An upcoming event I do not wish you to attend," Frollo stated. "I'm forbidding you to attend today's Feast of First Term."
"Why not?" Quasi asked. He had heard from Phoebus that it was a fun event, even if Phoebus had football practice every time it happened and had never gone there himself.
"The Feast is a very dangerous event," Frollo insisted. "The bullies of the school are always able to attend, and almost every year, they cause mischief with some unlucky student."
"Why aren't they suspended or something?" Quasi asked.
"Because Headmaster Yen Sid believes that everyone deserves a chance," Frollo complained. "I do not agree with his decisions, but I must uphold them. But the bullies are the reason why I attend them. Even though I hate the event, I must make sure that those bullies are dealt with."
"I do wish that I could go…" Quasi started.
"But what about the bullies?" Frollo interrupted. "What about the other students? How would you be able to handle yourself? You are deformed and you are ugly, and these are crimes for which the world shows little pity. They will make fun of you. You must promise me never to go to this event. Promise!"
Quasi tried to say something, but he just sighed it away. He couldn't argue with his master.
"I promise," Quasi said with sadness in his voice.
"Thank you," Frollo said as he stood up. "I must be off for my first class. I advise you to do the same."
"Yes, master," Quasi said.
"What is your first class again?" Frollo asked.
"Uh…I have Health with Miss Skellington," Quasi answered.
"Then off with you," Frollo said as he left the room. "But remember, Quasimodo: this place is your sanctuary."
Frollo left Quasimodo's room. Quasi looked back outside.
Well, it WAS a perfect day…

--

In the World Religions classroom, friends conversed while their teacher was absent. Three blond girls were admiring Gaston, who was flexing his muscles. Gantu Richardson, Bradley Uppercrust III, and Tank Ralph were talking about the upcoming football season. Jane Porter and David Wiggins were both reading books while talking about their upcoming Latin class with Professor Thatch. And Timon and Pumbaa, who were unable to switch classes, sat in the back. Pumbaa was shaking in fear as Timon took a nap. Within a short moment, their teacher walked in, dressed in his long, black robe that was as dark as his heart.
Suddenly, the room filled with silence. The teacher stared at his class as he slowly walked towards his desk.
"There will be no foolish behavior or silly conversations in this class," Frollo informed the class as he reached his desk. "As such, I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is World Religions. However, for those select few, who possess, the predisposition, I can teach you how to prepare any holy ritual and cast out the damned. I can tell you about religions during the Great Depression, the Renaissance, and even ancient Babylonian times."
In the back of the class, Timon had already fallen asleep. Frollo took notice.
"Then again," Frollo continued, "maybe some of you have come to MKC in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough to not pay attention!"
Frollo glared at Timon with a disapproving face. Pumbaa shook Timon awake and Timon did wake up.
"I'd like to buy a vowel," he muttered, unaware that he was no longer dreaming. He looked forward and saw Frollo's glare and he froze.
"Detention," Frollo stated as he wrote Timon's name on the board. "Now, if we aren't going to have any more interruptions, we shall continue. Open your books to page 5 and we will start with the first chapter –"
There was a knock at the door. Frollo turned and became frustrated, but he shrugged it off and walked over to the door.
"While I'm out, read Chapter 1," he told the class.
The students immediately started reading as Frollo stepped out of the room. Outside, Councilor Norrington was standing there with Phoebus.
"Phoebus wanted to have World Religions this block," Norrington informed Frollo. "We were finally able to put him in today. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," Frollo replied. "It's nice to have the captain of the Football team in my class. Is that all?"
"It is," Norrington said. "I must go talk to Councilor Mode. Good day to you both." He gave a small bow and he walked away.
"So," Frollo started, "Captain Phoebus, hero of the Titans."
"Reporting for class, sir," Phoebus said with a smile.
"Your love of learning precedes you. I expect nothing but the best from a student of your caliber."
"And you shall have it, sir. I guarantee it."
"Good," Frollo said with a smile. "Now, to class."
Frollo gestured to his classroom, and Phoebus entered the room. Frollo followed and the class continued without any more interruptions.

--

Esmeralda and Rapunzel sat in the back of the French 1 classroom with Madame Potts. Madame Potts was currently giving a small history about France.
"Now, after the death of General Lamarque, a small uprising called the Paris Uprising of 1832, also known as the June Rebellion. The leader of the rebels was a man known as Enjolras…"
"Hey Punzie," Esmeralda whispered to Rapunzel. "Are you going to the Feast of First Term?"
"I think so," Rapunzel whispered back. "But I'm not totally sure about what that is."
"It's this all afternoon event with games, contests, some shows, and even a full hour of everything being the opposite of what they are."
"Really?" Rapunzel was starting to get excited about this news. "Now I know I'm going."
"Good," Esmeralda giggled. "Meet me in front of the library before it starts?"
"I'll be there," Rapunzel promised. "Wait, why can't we meet up in the dorm room?"
"I have some business to take care of in the COM."
"Oh, ok. See you at the library, then!"
The two nodded to each other before listening to Madame Potts again.

--

At the end of that block, the students left with some high hopes for this year's Feast of First Term. It had always been an exciting event that even the teachers had fun at.
Well, almost all of the teachers.
Frollo never really liked the Feast. He always told his 'son' Quasimodo to never attend it, and he hoped that Quasi would stay true to his word.
With the end of his class, his students all left as if they were in a hurry. All except Phoebus.
"Phoebus, could I talk to you for a moment?" Frollo asked as he stood up and walked towards the door.
"Certainly, sir," Phoebus said as he got his bag of books and followed Frollo. "What is this about?"
"Oh, I just wanted to ask you a few questions," Frollo replied. "Have you ever heard of the group called 'the Outcasts'?"
"I have," Phoebus answered truthfully, "but I've never encountered any of them, or at least I don't think I have."
"I'll fill you in a bit on them," Frollo started."The Outcasts live outside the normal order. Their heathen ways inflame the students' lowest instincts. And they must be stopped. And I was also wondering if you would like to help me on this matter."
Phoebus stopped in his tracks. "You want me to spend less time practicing for our first big game against the Mutants to capture fortune-tellers and palm readers?"
"Ah, the real game, Captain, is what you see before you," Frollo insisted as he stopped as well. "For twenty years I have been 'taking care' of the Outcasts one by one. And yet, for all my success, they have thrived. I have heard that they have a safe haven just outside the walls of this very college. A nest, if you will. They call it the Court of Miracles."
"And what do you want me to do about it, sir?"
"I want you to try to find out who these Outcasts are and find their hiding place. Not many students trust me for how I handle matters. However, a student such as yourself could easy go unnoticed in this situation, especially since you are one of the school's biggest heroes."
"You make your point quite vividly, sir," Phoebus noted as he stroked his go-tee.
"You know, I like you, Captain," Frollo said with some sincerity in his voice. "I do hope you take me up on this offer."
Suddenly, from the speakers, Vice Headmaster Mickey Mouse's voice spoke to the school.
"Everyone attending the Feast of First Term can now head over to the Small World Grounds to enjoy the festival!"
"Ah, duty calls," Frollo sighed at the announcement. "Have you ever attended this school festival?"
"I'm afraid that football practices have gotten in the way," Phoebus answered.
"Then with no practice today, you should head over and see it yourself," Frollo insisted as he began to head over. "I hope to see you there, captain."
Frollo smiled as he left. Phoebus thought about the offer, and decided to head over too.

--

"I can't believe that we can't go to the Feast of First Year," Brooklyn told Demona and Goliath. "We never get to go."
The trio of Gargoyles were wandering the halls away from where the festival was taking place. While the rest of the Hall Monitors were watching over the festival along with Frollo's Hornets, the three got stuck with actually monitoring the halls of the school.
"Well, you never know what will happen away from the festival," Demona said, trying to cheer Brooklyn up. "Maybe we'll get lucky like Will was with M&M."
"Even then, I don't want to deal with them," Goliath noted. "Even with our enormous strength and skills, Maleficent and Mozenrath have magic."
"Hey," Demona interrupted, "I have powers too."
"But only when you read from that book," Brooklyn reminded her.
"Hang on," Goliath interrupted. "I saw someone."
Brooklyn and Demona looked around. Technically, they should be the only ones in this part of the campus.
"Follow me," Goliath muttered.
Goliath slowly stalked forward. Demona and Brooklyn followed closely behind him. The three looked around the corner and saw –
Well, they couldn't make out what it exactly was. It was dressed in strange clothing from their time and had a huge hump on its back.
"Is it a troll?" Brooklyn asked.
"I think that's a goblin," Demona observed.
"Whatever it is, we might as well find out who it is," Goliath growled as he stepped into the hallway. He raised his deep voice so that the unknown being could hear him. "Excuse me."
The unknown person turned in surprise. Goliath's eyes widened in surprise when he recognized who he was.
"Quasimodo," Goliath gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"Heading back to my dorm for the rest of the day," Quasi said with sorrow.
"You're not going to the Feast of First Term?" Goliath asked.
"I can't," Quasi responded, suddenly getting a little shyer than usual.
By now, Demona and Brooklyn joined up with Goliath. Neither were aware that they were scaring Quasi a little.
"You know this guy, Goliath?" Brooklyn asked.
"Yes," Goliath responded, giving a small smirk as he looked at Brooklyn. "This is Quasimodo. He lives in the dorm I live in. Quasi," Goliath started as he looked back at the human, "this is my friend, Brooklyn and my love, Demona."
The two gargoyles gave slight bows when their names were called. Quasi became a little more comfortable in their presence.
"How are you?" Quasi asked them.
"Pretty good," Brooklyn replied with a smile.
"I am alright," Demona responded. "But tell me, why aren't you attending the Feast of First Term?"
"Why aren't you guys?" Quasi asked back, unsure of whether or not to answer them.
"We've been placed on monitor duty," Brooklyn responded. "What's your excuse?"
"I was told by my master not to go there," Quasi said. "He has forbidden me to go to it."
"And who is your master?" Demona asked.
"Frollo."
All three Gargoyles all muttered in the awkward answer.
"Now," Goliath started, "when he said that you were forbidden to attend, did he mean never ever?"
"Never ever," Quasi answered. "And he hates the Feast of First Term."
"So why should you have to follow his rules?" Brooklyn wondered.
"Because I promised," Quasi replied.
"You could just sneak right in…" Brooklyn started.
"You could at least get a taste of what it is before you leave," Goliath explained, going with Brooklyn's plan.
"..and then you'd sneak right out." Brooklyn finished.
"No one even has to notice you," Demona explained.
"But what if I'm seen?" Quasi asked.
"You could wear a disguise," Brooklyn thought aloud, "just this once. What Frollo doesn't know can't hurt ya."
"I still don't know…" Quasi said, half for the plan, half against it.
"Look, Quasimodo," Demona started, "we have rules that we must follow. It's the rules of the castle, and we can't go against them. But one man can't control your life forever. No one want's to stay cooped up forever."
Quasi thought about her words. After a moment, he realized that she was right.
"Alright," Quasi said with a smile. "I'll go!"